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Idealease Safety Bulletin - Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over - Enforcement Crackdown Starts TODAY!

Aug. 21 2020 Miscellaneous By McCandless Idealease

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Read and share the latest Safety Bulletin, "Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over - Enforcement Crackdown Starts TODAY", courtesy of Idealease Truck Leasing and Rental. 

Read the original bulletin on idealease.com and SIGN UP to receive these fleet safety tips directly to your email inbox!

In this issue find details on the following:

1. DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

  • Goes into effect across the country from 8/21-9/7/20
  • Increased traffic means an increased likelihood of vehicle crashes.

Labor Day Driving Trips from America’s Road Team

  • Do a "walk around" before leaving: Check tires, wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced.
  • Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs for the exit as you near it. 
  • Get a map or program your GPS: Surprisingly, few motorists use maps, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. 
  • Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Know your limitations: don't drive when tired, upset, or physically ill. 
  • Be aware of trucks’ blindspots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
  • Expect the unexpected: Look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path. Leave yourself an out.
  • Make sure your phone is connected to the Bluetooth of your vehicle and you are talking hands free. Limit cell phone use to a minimum and pull off to a designated parking area to use your cell phone if the call is going to be prolonged. Make sure you are NOT on your phone in work zones.
  • Signal your intentions: signal ahead of time so other drivers can respond. If a truck is signaling to change lanes, allow it space to do so. Often, it is trying to avoid another vehicle.
  • Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  • Yield: On entrance ramps, remember highway traffic has the right of way; maintain proper speed, use smooth merging techniques, and don't slow down in front of a truck.
  • Never stop on the highway: The most dangerous speed on a highway is zero. Stopped vehicles, even on the shoulder, create a severe hazard for themselves and others. If you are stopped for emergency purposes, understand that big trucks cannot always stop to assist you, but most will use their radios to contact the police or highway patrol if they see you are in trouble.
  • Watch your gas gauge: To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips, and keep a steady speed. 
  • Construction zone: Stay alert in work zones and obey informational signs.

2. FMCSA Releases the Drug and Alcohol Clearing House Report for July

Click to view the Summary Report for July 2020

  • 30,546 total drug and alcohol violations have been reported to the Clearinghouse since it went into effect on January 6. 2020. Positive drug tests account for approximately 81% of the total reported violations.
  • Over one half of the positive drug tests were for marijuana; the next most frequent drugs identified in positive tests were cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. There were 28,445 drivers in the return to duty process as of the end of July; some 2,012 drivers had completed the RTD process with a negative drug test and were eligible to drive again.
  • Some 130,475 employers, 1,064,263 drivers and 1,492 Medical Review Officers have registered with the Clearinghouse through July. 
  • Over 1,350,00 queries have been conducted through the Clearinghouse since the beginning of the year.

Remember to download the full bulletin for complete details or click here to sign up.  Don't forget to register for our weekly Idealease Elevate your Driver's Performance Newsletter.

3. International Roadcheck Rescheduled for September 9th- 11th. View more information at www.roadcheck.org.

4. CVSA Brake Safety Week is next week! 

5. Sign up for Idealease Safety Webinars. Find topics and dates: https://www.idealease.com/safety-seminars